HCP, what turned out to be the problem with your water heater? Also, did Bintim give your electrical systems a go-over? IIRC, you live in an older house, so it's a good idea to check your panel and your wiring.
Just messin, (Keep in mind I know nothing about this stuff!) The fuse was 20 and it needed to be a 30? We just got a new H2O heater a few months ago and it needed more juice i think. He rewired it for me and replaced the fuse I think. He was great! Sorry but my dad was a track and basketball coach growing up so the only tools we had around the house was a hammer! I am useless when it comes to anything around the house......... except when I'm working on Mrs. HCP if ya know what i mean!
Undersized breaker and wire for the new h2o heater. Overloaded the breaker.......breaker trips.....turn breaker on...........breaker over loads.........turn breaker on.........to infinity. Breaker malfunctions and won't trip........wires get hot like toaster........wife smell smoke....no hot water. Me fix.